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Was pulled over because, unbeknownst to me, the registration had expired three weeks ago. Car is in my husband's name and he handles this chore. Police officer told me that I would need to get the car towed as he was not allowed to let me either drive home or to the town hall to get it registered. He then provided me with names of local towing companies to choose from, whom he would call. I told him to choose the closest. And I was towed to town hall. He gave me a warning. Is this in fact true, that by law I could no longer drive my car? Or does this smack of collusion between the local police and local towing companies? I am trying to find any NH law that would apply. Also, my son has been pulled over for same more than once and was never told he had to be towed.

I work for a City in the water department and was told that if a customer ever asks anyone who they should call for a plumber if they have an issue with their lines (water) that we are not allowed to give any names at all.

I find it very odd he would have a list of names of towing companies for you to call. I would consult with the mayor or city manager of your town/city if they exist.

Wow, I am stunned by this. I've lived in New Hampshire for the past 10-1/2 years and a couple of times I registered my car late (within a few weeks). I seem to recall getting pulled over a couple of times but being let off with a warning (and of course I registered pronto after that!!). When I first read the OP I wondered about collusion between the police department and the towing companies too. I can see getting fined for not having it registered AND having to prove registration soon afterward (e.g. within 24 hours), but to have to have the car towed when there is nothing wrong with it?! That seems asinine to me.

My birthday is a holiday so I can never register it the day it expires ... I think I will go in BEFORE instead of AFTER from now on.

OP, sorry this happened to you, but I guess it's a lesson for all of us.

Was pulled over because, unbeknownst to me, the registration had expired three weeks ago. Car is in my husband's name and he handles this chore. Police officer told me that I would need to get the car towed as he was not allowed to let me either drive home or to the town hall to get it registered. He then provided me with names of local towing companies to choose from, whom he would call. I told him to choose the closest. And I was towed to town hall. He gave me a warning. Is this in fact true, that by law I could no longer drive my car? Or does this smack of collusion between the local police and local towing companies? I am trying to find any NH law that would apply. Also, my son has been pulled over for same more than once and was never told he had to be towed.

Was pulled over because, unbeknownst to me, the registration had expired three weeks ago. ... Also, my son has been pulled over for same more than once and was never told he had to be towed.

I am sorry you were pulled over. I think the officer was kind to just let you off with a warning, and he was right in not letting you drive further without a registration (as much a hardship as it might have caused you). I assume the officer suggested specific towing services because you did not know of any you could call on the spot.

I understand you were unaware your car was unregistered at the time of this incident, but, if your son has been pulled over before for the same reason (more than once), you are likely aware that only registered cars may be operated.

Again, I am sorry about your experience. I am glad you were able to safely get to the town hall.

...
I can see getting fined for not having it registered AND having to prove registration soon afterward (e.g. within 24 hours), but to have to have the car towed when there is nothing wrong with it?! That seems asinine to me.

My birthday is a holiday so I can never register it the day it expires ... I think I will go in BEFORE instead of AFTER from now on.

OP, sorry this happened to you, but I guess it's a lesson for all of us.

I agree. I see no reason to have the car towed just because the registration is expired. A fine, a requirement to register it immediately, being sent to court are all alternatives that address the issue.

And, AFAIK, the registration doesn't expire on the exact day of your birthday, you have the whole month of your birthday to get to it.

I agree. I see no reason to have the car towed just because the registration is expired. A fine, a requirement to register it immediately, being sent to court are all alternatives that address the issue.

And, AFAIK, the registration doesn't expire on the exact day of your birthday, you have the whole month of your birthday to get to it.

Except that NH law states you cannot drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads. Whether you agree with it or not, that is the perfect reason for it to be towed.

The curious thing, in NH AFAIK you can't get your vehicle inspected until after it's registered, so I would imagine that was expired as well?

I only learned that my adult son had been pulled over during this incident, as he was in the car with me, and that is when he told me. So, I was not aware that you can not drive a vehicle with an expired registration. And why can't you, if you have every intention of getting the car registered. What really got me thinking about the necessity of towing is what the tow driver said to me, " He could have just followed you to town hall, instead of having you towed." It was only two miles.

I did take the car for inspection, so we were up to date on that. These statutes seem like overkill for a simple oversight. I am not a criminal simply for driving a car with an expired registration. Oops, the state didn't get our money by the deadline? We believe the renewal notice must have been lost in the mail, as my husband is very diligent about these matters.

Last edited by maggieg; 09-23-2012 at 01:26 PM..

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